Controller

accounting principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements, and institutional policies.

As a senior member of the Finance leadership team, the Controller partners closely with the CFO and campus stakeholders to support institutional decision-making, strengthen financial stewardship, and enhance operational effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Reporting

• Direct and oversee the preparation of daily, monthly, annual, and ad hoc financial statements and management reports, including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and journal entry review.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all internal and external financial reports and filings, including Form 990 and Form 990-T.
• Facilitate and manage the fiscal year-end close process, ensuring adherence to established timelines and accounting standards.

Governance, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Establish, maintain, and continuously evaluate effective internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and best practice standards.
• Monitor evolving accounting standards, regulatory guidance, and industry trends; recommend and implement necessary policy or procedural updates.
• Lead and coordinate the College's annual external financial audit, serving as primary liaison with auditors and ensuring successful, timely completion.

Endowment, Grants & Restricted Funds

• Maintain comprehensive records related to the College's endowment, including quarterly market value calculations, annuity valuations, income distributions, and oversight of the Fundriver endowment management system.
• Direct accounting and reporting for federal and state grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and timely, accurate submissions.
• Collaborate with Development and Alumni Engagement and the Office of Financial Aid to ensure endowed scholarships and restricted gifts are properly recorded, awarded, monitored, and reported.

Systems, Data Integrity & Infrastructure

• Oversee the maintenance, integrity, and enhancement of ERP and financial reporting systems, including accounting platforms, Synoptix, and Informer.
• Manage and administer the College's chart of accounts to support accurate reporting, transparency, and analytical flexibility.
• Ensure financial data supports cash flow analysis, forecasting, and long-term financial planning in partnership with the CFO.

People & Operational Management

• Provide leadership and supervision to accounting, student accounts, and accounts payable staff, including goal setting, performance management, delegation, and professional development.
• Evaluate business processes and accounting workflows to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and reduce institutional risk.
• Contribute to the development of departmental and institutional short- and long-term financial objectives.

Strategic Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Vice President for Business & Finance / CFO and senior leadership on accounting, compliance, audit, and financial risk matters.
• Support institution-wide initiatives requiring financial analysis, policy interpretation, or reporting guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Business & Finance / CFO.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (6) years of progressive accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience preparing GAAP financial statements and managing external audits.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Preferred:

• Experience in not-for-profit or higher education accounting environments.
• Master's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.